UK Courier Prohibited & Restricted Items: What You Can and Cannot Send
UK couriers prohibit dangerous, illegal and unsafe goods, while other items — including lithium batteries, aerosols, perfume, alcohol, liquids and perishable products — may be accepted only under specific carrier, packaging or service conditions.
There is no single prohibited-items list that applies identically to every UK courier.
Royal Mail, Parcelforce, DHL, DPD, Evri, UPS and specialist courier networks operate different acceptance rules depending on the item, destination, delivery service, transport method and customer account.
That means an item accepted by one courier may be restricted or prohibited by another.
Before booking a parcel, check three things:
- Is the item prohibited or restricted?
- Does your chosen courier accept it on the selected service?
- Does it require special packaging, labelling, documentation or age verification?
This guide explains the main UK courier prohibited and restricted items, how major carriers differ, what packaging and documents may be required, and what happens if you send something that should not enter a standard parcel network.
If you are comparing delivery providers, our guide to choosing the best courier service for your business explains the wider factors to consider.
Prohibited vs Restricted Items: What Is the Difference?
A prohibited item cannot be carried on the particular courier service, while a restricted item may be accepted if specific conditions are met.
This distinction matters.
| Classification | Meaning | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited | The courier does not accept the item on that service | Parcel refused, returned, quarantined or disposed of |
| Restricted | The item may travel if specified conditions are met | Special packaging, declaration or service required |
| Excluded from compensation | Courier may carry it but does not insure it against loss or damage | Sender carries some or all financial risk |
| Dangerous goods | Substance is regulated because of transport risk | Specialist rules, documentation or approved carrier may be required |
An item can also fall into different categories with different carriers.
For example, a liquid may be accepted by one UK service, excluded from compensation by another and completely prohibited by a third.
Never assume that “restricted” and “prohibited” mean the same thing across every courier network.
What Items Are Commonly Prohibited by UK Couriers?
Explosives, illegal drugs, radioactive materials, highly dangerous chemicals and many weapons are among the goods most commonly prohibited from standard UK parcel networks.
Common prohibited categories include:
- Explosives and fireworks
- Highly flammable or explosive substances
- Radioactive materials
- Toxic or infectious substances
- Illegal drugs and controlled substances being transported unlawfully
- Counterfeit or illegal goods
- Certain firearms, ammunition and weapon components
- Damaged or defective lithium batteries
- Certain biological or clinical materials
- Hazardous waste
- Items whose carriage or supply would itself be illegal
The exact list still depends on the carrier.
Some networks also prohibit items such as perfumes, aerosols, sharp instruments, loose batteries, high-value jewellery or liquids even where another carrier accepts them under controlled conditions.
Why Are These Items Restricted?
Courier parcels move through vans, depots, automated sorting systems, aircraft and road-freight networks.
An item that appears harmless at home can create a significant transport risk when it is:
- crushed,
- dropped,
- exposed to heat,
- exposed to pressure changes,
- placed beside incompatible substances,
- damaged by sorting equipment, or
- transported by air.
International dangerous-goods frameworks such as IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air transport and ADR rules for dangerous goods carried by road influence how carriers handle hazardous materials.
The important principle is simple:
The physical characteristics of the product determine the transport risk — not how ordinary the product appears in everyday use.
Everyday Items That Can Cause Courier Problems
Some of the most commonly misunderstood restricted goods are ordinary household products.
These can include:
| Item | Why It Can Be Restricted |
|---|---|
| Perfume and aftershave | Alcohol-based flammable liquid |
| Nail varnish and remover | Flammable liquid |
| Aerosols | Pressurised container |
| Power banks | Lithium battery fire risk |
| Mobile phones and laptops | Contain lithium batteries |
| Alcohol | Flammability and age restrictions |
| Paints and solvents | Flammable or hazardous chemicals |
| Cleaning chemicals | Corrosive, toxic or reactive contents |
| Fresh food | Perishability and leakage |
| Oils and liquids | Leakage and contamination risk |
| Knives and blades | Age and delivery restrictions |
| Jewellery | Value and compensation limitations |
This is why checking the courier’s current prohibited-items policy before packaging the parcel is essential.
Can You Send Lithium Batteries by Courier in the UK?
Some lithium batteries can be sent through UK courier networks, but acceptance depends heavily on whether the battery is installed in equipment, sent alongside equipment or shipped on its own.
Lithium batteries deserve particular attention because damage, short circuits and thermal runaway can create serious fire risks during transport.
Batteries Installed in Equipment
A battery already installed in a phone, laptop, camera or other device is often easier to send than a loose battery.
Depending on the carrier, requirements can include:
- the device being switched off,
- protection against accidental activation,
- strong rigid outer packaging,
- protection against movement,
- limits on battery capacity,
- limits on the number of cells or batteries, and
- protection against short circuits.
Loose Lithium Batteries and Power Banks
Loose lithium-ion batteries and power banks face substantially tighter restrictions.
Some consumer courier networks prohibit them outright.
Others accept them only under dangerous-goods procedures or specialist commercial arrangements.
A power bank is itself a lithium battery rather than simply an electronic accessory, which is why it often falls under stricter rules.
Damaged or Defective Batteries
Damaged, swollen, recalled or defective lithium batteries should not be placed into an ordinary parcel network.
These present significantly greater fire risk and usually require specialist disposal or dangerous-goods handling.
Before sending electronics, check both the courier’s battery policy and our guide to secure parcel packaging.
Can You Send Perfume and Aftershave by Courier?
Perfume and aftershave may be accepted by some UK carriers under quantity and packaging restrictions, while other couriers prohibit them entirely.
Their alcohol content means they can be classified as flammable liquids.
For example, postal and parcel networks may specify:
- a maximum volume per bottle,
- a maximum number of bottles per parcel,
- original retail packaging,
- rigid outer packaging,
- cushioning to prevent breakage,
- sender details on the parcel, and
- restrictions on international transport.
Parcelforce, for example, publishes specific conditions for certain perfume and aftershave shipments within the UK.
By contrast, other consumer parcel networks prohibit perfume and aftershave.
The correct question is therefore not simply:
“Can perfume be sent by courier?”
It is:
“Does this carrier accept this quantity of perfume on this particular service and destination?”
Can You Send Aerosols by Courier?
Some aerosols can be sent through particular domestic courier or postal services, but others are prohibited because of their contents or pressure classification.
Personal grooming and medicinal aerosols may be treated differently from:
- spray paints,
- industrial aerosols,
- solvents,
- air fresheners,
- gas cartridges, and
- highly flammable products.
Where aerosols are accepted, carriers may impose limits covering:
- container size,
- number of containers,
- valve protection,
- outer packaging, and
- labelling.
International rules are generally stricter.
Do not assume that an empty aerosol container is automatically acceptable: carrier policies may still restrict pressurised containers or previously filled dangerous-goods packaging.
Can You Send Alcohol Through a UK Courier?
Alcohol can be sent through some UK courier services, but the permitted strength, volume, destination and packaging conditions vary considerably.
Alcoholic beverages are commonly divided by alcohol by volume — ABV.
For example, some carriers distinguish between:
- beverages at 24% ABV or below,
- beverages above 24% but no higher than 70% ABV, and
- liquids above 70% ABV.
Higher-strength alcohol creates a greater flammability risk.
Packaging may require:
- securely closed bottles,
- leak-proof inner containment,
- absorbent material,
- strong outer packaging,
- cushioning between bottles, and
- appropriate fragile markings where glass is used.
Age-of-sale and delivery requirements may also apply.
Businesses shipping alcohol should confirm both the carrier’s transport policy and the seller’s legal responsibilities before dispatch.
Age-Restricted Goods and Courier Deliveries
Age-restricted products require delivery arrangements capable of preventing goods from being handed to an underage recipient where the law requires age verification.
The precise legal requirements depend on the product.
Retailers frequently use Challenge 25 policies, under which identification is requested when the recipient appears to be under 25. Challenge 25 is a risk-control policy; the underlying legal age for the relevant product remains the decisive requirement.
Acceptable identification commonly includes recognised photographic proof of age such as:
- a passport,
- a driving licence, or
- an approved proof-of-age document.
Knives and Bladed Products
Rules covering remote sales of knives and bladed products are particularly strict.
UK legislation requires relevant sellers and delivery organisations to take appropriate steps to prevent bladed products from being supplied to people under 18.
The rules governing online sales and delivery of knives were strengthened further in 2026.
For qualifying bladed-product deliveries, businesses should ensure that:
- the age of the purchaser is properly verified,
- the parcel is identified appropriately where required,
- the delivery method supports age verification,
- the parcel is handed only to an eligible recipient, and
- records can demonstrate that the process was followed.
The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 provides the core legislative framework, alongside subsequent amendments.
Businesses selling age-restricted products should also review current guidance on online sales of age-restricted products.
Can You Send Liquids by Courier in the UK?
Non-hazardous liquids can be accepted by some UK couriers, but quantity limits, compensation exclusions and packaging rules differ between networks.
There is no general UK law saying that every liquid is prohibited from courier networks.
Instead, you need to establish:
- what the liquid contains,
- whether it is hazardous,
- how much is being sent,
- the packaging used,
- the courier selected, and
- whether the journey is domestic or international.
How to Package Non-Hazardous Liquids
Where your courier accepts the liquid, good packaging normally includes:
- A securely closed primary container.
- A sealed leak-resistant inner layer.
- Absorbent material around the container.
- Cushioning to prevent movement.
- A strong outer box.
- Separation between multiple containers.
- Accurate labelling and declaration.
Our parcel packaging guide explains how to reduce movement and impact damage during transit.
Remember that accepting an item for carriage does not necessarily mean it is covered for loss or damage.
Some carriers accept liquids only on a no-compensation basis.
Can You Send Food and Perishable Items?
Some UK couriers accept food and perishable products, but acceptance and compensation conditions vary according to shelf life, temperature requirements and destination.
The key distinction is between ordinary shelf-stable food and products requiring temperature control.
Higher-risk examples include:
- chilled food,
- frozen food,
- fresh meat,
- dairy products,
- fresh produce,
- flowers,
- temperature-sensitive medicines, and
- goods packed with dry ice.
Domestic and international rules can be very different.
For international shipments, the destination country’s food, animal-product and plant-health regulations must also be checked.
If the goods require uninterrupted temperature control, an ordinary parcel service may be unsuitable.
Use an appropriate specialist or temperature-controlled logistics provider where product safety depends on maintaining a defined temperature range.
Dangerous Goods: When You Need a Specialist Courier
Goods classified as dangerous for transport may require an approved dangerous-goods carrier rather than an ordinary parcel service.
Dangerous goods include substances capable of presenting hazards such as:
- explosion,
- fire,
- toxicity,
- corrosion,
- infection,
- radiation, or
- dangerous chemical reaction.
Depending on the classification and mode of transport, requirements can include:
- UN-approved packaging,
- hazard labels,
- dangerous-goods declarations,
- Safety Data Sheets,
- trained personnel,
- quantity limits, and
- carrier pre-approval.
Never disguise a dangerous product under a vague description such as “parts”, “accessories” or “samples.”
Incorrect declaration can place drivers, depot employees, aircraft, vehicles and other parcels at risk.
How Major UK Couriers Differ on Restricted Items
Each UK courier maintains its own prohibited, restricted and compensation rules, so carrier selection matters as much as the item itself.
A useful high-level comparison is:
| Carrier | Examples of Important Differences |
|---|---|
| Royal Mail / Parcelforce | Some aerosols, perfume, alcohol and battery configurations can be accepted subject to detailed conditions |
| DHL Express | Certain restricted or dangerous goods may require approval; domestic alcohol can be accepted under applicable conditions |
| DHL eCommerce UK | Consumer parcel services operate a stricter prohibited-items list covering many batteries, liquids and valuables |
| Evri | Loose lithium batteries, perfumes, aerosols and sharp instruments are prohibited; some other liquids and fragile/perishable goods may be carried without compensation |
| DPD | Acceptance depends on the item, service and customer arrangement; check the current restricted-goods policy before booking |
| Specialist carriers | Can handle categories ordinary parcel networks refuse, including regulated dangerous goods or temperature-sensitive consignments |
This is a major reason businesses should choose a courier based on the consignment characteristics, not simply the cheapest delivery price.
Our guide to UK courier services and choosing the right provider explains the wider selection process.
Restricted Items May Not Be Covered by Courier Compensation
A courier accepting your parcel does not automatically mean the contents are insured against loss or damage.
This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of courier restrictions.
Carriers may classify goods as:
- prohibited,
- restricted,
- accepted,
- excluded from compensation, or
- accepted only with additional cover.
Items frequently affected by compensation exclusions include:
- glass,
- ceramics,
- jewellery,
- artwork,
- antiques,
- liquids,
- perishable products,
- documents,
- electronics, and
- fragile goods.
Read the carrier’s compensation exclusions before booking.
If an item is valuable, photograph it before packing and retain evidence showing:
- its condition,
- how it was packed,
- the outer packaging,
- purchase value, and
- proof of dispatch.
If something does go wrong, our guide explains how to claim compensation for lost or damaged parcels.
Packaging Rules for Restricted Items
Correct packaging can determine whether a restricted item is accepted, rejected or excluded from compensation.
Your packaging should protect:
- the item,
- other parcels,
- handling staff,
- vehicles, and
- sorting equipment.
Liquids
Use:
- secure leak-proof containers,
- sealed inner protection,
- absorbent material,
- cushioning,
- strong outer packaging.
Electronics
Use:
- rigid external packaging,
- protection around screens and corners,
- sufficient cushioning,
- protection against accidental activation,
- correct battery handling.
Fragile Goods
Use:
- strong double-wall cartons where appropriate,
- cushioning on every side,
- separate protection between individual objects,
- no direct contact with the outer box.
Valuable Goods
Avoid packaging that reveals what the parcel contains.
Retain photographs and proof of value before handing the package to the courier.
Labels
A parcel label should be clear, securely attached and consistent with the information given during booking.
Read our guide to labelling a parcel correctly for delivery before dispatch.
What Documents Are Needed for Restricted Goods?
The documents required depend on the item, transport classification and destination.
A standard domestic parcel may need little beyond sender, recipient and item information.
Regulated or international shipments can require considerably more.
Possible documents include:
| Shipment | Possible Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dangerous goods | Dangerous-goods declaration |
| Chemicals | Safety Data Sheet or classification data |
| International goods | Customs declaration and commercial invoice |
| CITES-listed goods | CITES permit or certificate |
| Certain animal products | Export or health certification |
| Plants and plant products | Plant-health documentation |
| High-value goods | Proof of value or specialist insurance |
| Batteries | Battery specification or technical documentation |
| Commercial international shipment | Commodity code, origin and customs value |
Avoid vague descriptions such as “goods”, “parts” or “merchandise.”
Customs authorities and carriers need a description that accurately identifies what is inside.
Our guide to documentation requirements for different delivery types covers the wider paperwork involved.
CITES and Wildlife Products
Products made from protected animal or plant species may require a CITES permit before they can legally move across an international border.
CITES — the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora — applies to protected species and products derived from them.
Examples can include certain:
- exotic leather products,
- animal skins,
- coral,
- ivory,
- musical instruments,
- wood products,
- traditional medicines, and
- animal-derived collectibles.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency administers relevant CITES controls in Great Britain.
Do not assume that an old, second-hand or antique product is exempt.
Check the species and documentation requirements before arranging transport.
Sending Parcels from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
Goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland operate under Windsor Framework parcel arrangements, with different requirements for B2B and B2C movements.
This section is particularly important because older online guidance is now outdated.
Business-to-Business Parcels
For B2B parcels from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, information must be submitted through the relevant customs process.
Businesses authorised under the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) can use simplified arrangements for eligible goods that meet the scheme requirements.
UKIMS is therefore a route to simplified treatment for qualifying movements — it is not accurate to say that every B2B sender must hold UKIMS before any parcel can be sent.
Business-to-Consumer Parcels
For qualifying business-to-consumer movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, the sending business does not generally have to submit an individual customs declaration or register for UKIMS simply to send the consumer parcel.
The carrier handles the applicable parcel movement processes.
Goods Subject to Additional Controls
Additional requirements may still apply to categories including:
- food,
- animal products,
- plants,
- excise goods,
- controlled goods, and
- products subject to specific EU or Northern Ireland rules.
Businesses sending goods to Northern Ireland should check current GOV.UK Windsor Framework guidance before dispatch because these arrangements can change.
Sending Restricted Items Internationally
International parcels face both the courier’s own restrictions and the destination country’s import rules.
Something legal to send within Britain may still be prohibited from entering another country.
International consignments may require:
- a customs declaration,
- commodity codes,
- declared value,
- country of origin,
- commercial invoice,
- licences or permits, and
- supporting certificates.
Destination controls may be particularly strict for:
- food,
- alcohol,
- plants,
- medicines,
- animal products,
- cosmetics,
- batteries, and
- dangerous goods.
If you regularly send goods overseas, see our guide on sending a parcel abroad from the UK.
Businesses should also understand how customs terms affect liability and charges. Our guide to Delivered Duty Paid and Delivered Duty Unpaid explains the distinction.
What Happens If You Send a Prohibited Item?
A prohibited or incorrectly declared parcel can be refused, delayed, returned, quarantined, destroyed or referred to the appropriate authorities depending on the item and circumstances.
Possible consequences include:
- collection refusal,
- depot rejection,
- return to sender,
- cancellation of the delivery,
- loss of compensation,
- disposal costs,
- additional handling charges,
- account restrictions,
- customs seizure, or
- legal enforcement where the contents are unlawful or dangerous.
The sender remains responsible for describing the contents accurately.
Deliberately hiding dangerous goods creates much greater risk than simply making a packaging mistake.
If you are uncertain about an unusual item, ask the carrier before booking, not after the parcel has entered the network.
What Happens If a Parcel Is Damaged or Leaking?
A parcel that is leaking, badly damaged or potentially dangerous can be removed from normal processing for safety reasons.
Common warning signs include:
- leaking liquid,
- powder escaping from packaging,
- strong or unusual odours,
- crushed packaging,
- exposed contents,
- damaged battery-powered equipment, and
- evidence of chemical contamination.
Courier staff may isolate the shipment and follow the network’s safety procedures.
For ordinary parcels, tracking information helps identify where a shipment is within the network. See our guide to tracking and tracing a parcel.
Checklist Before Sending a Restricted or Unusual Item
Before booking, ask:
- What exactly am I sending?
- Is it prohibited by my courier?
- Is it restricted rather than prohibited?
- Does the rule change for UK versus international delivery?
- Does it contain a lithium battery?
- Is it flammable, pressurised, toxic, corrosive or infectious?
- Is age verification required?
- Does it need specialist packaging?
- Does it require a permit, declaration or certificate?
- Is the item covered if lost or damaged?
- Have I accurately declared the contents?
- Have I checked the carrier’s latest rules rather than relying on an old article or forum post?
That final point is important.
Carrier prohibited and restricted-item policies change.
Always treat the courier’s current published policy as the final authority for that service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can’t I send by courier in the UK?
UK courier networks commonly prohibit explosives, illegal drugs, radioactive materials, hazardous chemicals and other goods that create an unacceptable legal or safety risk. Individual carriers also prohibit additional categories, so always check the chosen courier’s current prohibited-items list.
What is the difference between a prohibited and restricted item?
A prohibited item cannot be carried on the relevant service. A restricted item may be carried if specified conditions are met, such as quantity limits, approved packaging, documentation or a particular service.
Can I send lithium batteries through a UK courier?
Sometimes. Batteries installed in equipment are accepted by some carriers under strict conditions. Loose lithium batteries, power banks, defective batteries and high-capacity batteries face much tighter restrictions and may require specialist transport.
Can I send a mobile phone by courier?
Usually, but the phone contains a lithium battery, so the carrier’s battery rules apply. Switch the device off, prevent accidental activation, protect it against movement and use suitable rigid packaging.
Can I send perfume in the post or by courier?
Some carriers accept perfume domestically under volume and packaging restrictions, while others prohibit it because it is an alcohol-based flammable liquid. Check the exact carrier and service before posting.
Can I send aerosols through a UK courier?
Some carriers accept particular personal-care or medicinal aerosols under specified conditions. Other aerosols, especially highly flammable or industrial products, may be prohibited. Carrier rules vary substantially.
Can I send alcohol by courier in the UK?
Some UK courier and postal services accept alcohol. Limits can depend on ABV, bottle size, quantity, packaging and delivery service. Age-restricted sales also require appropriate controls.
Can I send liquids by courier?
Some non-hazardous liquids can be sent through certain UK services. Other carriers prohibit liquids or accept them only without compensation. Flammable, corrosive or hazardous liquids are subject to much stricter controls.
Can I send food by courier?
Many ordinary food products can be sent, but perishable, chilled and frozen goods require additional consideration. Carrier rules, transit time and temperature requirements determine whether the service is suitable.
Can I send knives by courier?
This depends on the carrier and type of item. Some parcel networks prohibit sharp instruments entirely. Where delivery is legally permitted, age-verification and delivery requirements can apply to bladed products.
Can I send a parcel containing batteries and liquids together?
Do not assume so. Some carriers specifically restrict combinations of electronic goods, batteries, liquids, aerosols or gels in the same package. Check the chosen courier before booking.
What happens if I accidentally send a prohibited item?
The parcel may be stopped, returned, disposed of or otherwise removed from the delivery network. You may also lose compensation rights. Dangerous or unlawful goods can lead to more serious consequences.
Do couriers inspect parcels?
Courier terms commonly allow security screening and inspection where necessary. Screening can include X-ray equipment and, in some circumstances, physical inspection.
Do the same courier restrictions apply internationally?
No. International shipments must meet the courier’s rules, dangerous-goods regulations, customs requirements and the destination country’s import laws.
Do I need UKIMS to send parcels to Northern Ireland?
Not for every parcel. UKIMS can provide simplified treatment for eligible B2B goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. B2C movements operate differently and generally do not require the sending business to register for UKIMS simply to send a consumer parcel.
The Bottom Line
There is no universal UK courier prohibited-items list that applies identically to every carrier and every delivery service.
Explosives, illegal goods and highly dangerous substances are widely prohibited, but many everyday products sit in a more complicated category.
Items such as:
- batteries,
- aerosols,
- perfume,
- alcohol,
- liquids,
- food,
- blades,
- jewellery, and
- electronics
may be accepted, restricted, excluded from compensation or prohibited depending on the courier and service.
The safest process is: identify the item → check its risk classification → check the carrier → confirm the service → package it correctly → complete any required documentation → keep proof of dispatch.
If anything about the contents is unusual, valuable, hazardous or regulated, check with the courier before handing it over.
That protects the sender, the recipient, the parcel network — and the people responsible for moving it.
Martin Smith is an industry expert with more than 30 years’ experience in the parcel delivery and logistics. Martin is considered an industry professional in the UK Courier World.
